“After so long I have discovered that some doors are not meant to be opened,
with all this suffering that I could have avoided in sight,
but I concurrently longed…” (‘Chant Of Self-Confrontation‘)
Since 2010, Latin American multi-instrumentalist and composer N. has been meticulously forging tumultuous and alienated Black Metal as SELBST. Following an initial demo tape and various splits/EPs, the band released two remarkable albums: “Selbst” (2017) and DMP-debut “Relatos de angustia” (2020). Now with the release of magnificent third opus, “Despondency Chord Progressions“, SELBST delve deeper still, refining and assertively navigating the complex currents of their already intricate sound.
Stream the album in its entirety through DMP‘s YouTube channel:
SELBST still rain down tumultuous hammer blows – their trademark ‘dissonant’ Black Metal intensity remains – but these now share equal space with elevated songwriting, assured vocal work, richly intricate musicality and mellifluous leads of the highest quality, glued together by a pristine drum performance from Jonathan Heredia (AVERSIO HUMANITATIS, ETERNAL STORM).
Mastermind N. comments on the release:
“I believe that previously my music was a bit more ‘linear.’ Now there is more presence of elements like clean vocals, there’s a track sung entirely in Spanish by myself (something that my first vocalist had done before), and I even dared to make a completely acoustic track (something that I had been considering for a long time). Recording this album was very interesting, and besides what I mentioned earlier, each song represented a different challenge, and the mood for each one was very special. Every release a band makes should be an experience to explore new elements and push their boundaries, in my opinion.“
SELBST‘s third album, “Despondency Chord Progressions,” is released on CD, vinyl, tape, and digital. A new t-shirt design accompanies the launch. Orders are possible through the label’s EU, US (no merch), and Bandcamp stores.
SELBST was formed 2010 in Venezuela by multi-instrumentalist/lyricist N and vocalist Frozen, releasing their initial demo “Veritas Filia Temporis” shortly afterwards. In 2016 N moved to Chile to search out new collaborators and opportunities. The resultant self-titled full-length, featuring vocals by N. Onfray of ANIMUS MORTIS, was released in 2017 to great underground acclaim.
In 2018 N became SELBST‘s lead vocalist and the project turned into a fully-fledged live band, taking to the stage for the first time as the next step of their evolution. The band unleashed second album, “Relatos de Angustia“, in 2020 – a universally praised, deep and challenging record which rewarded repeat listens.
SELBST subsequently honed their artistry and the band’s evolution into a formidable live act was marked by the 2023 digital release of live album, “Vortex Of Anguish And Death“.
As SELBST reaches its 14th year, visionary N is now poised to reveal the band’s third and most compelling album yet. Titled “Despondency Chord Progressions,” this landmark release will emerge on April 19th through Debemur Morti Productions and further refines the intricate, shadowy depths of their already sophisticated sound.